According to reports from Zack Meisel and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the ongoing investigation involving Luis Ortiz relates to gambling activities.
The Cleveland Guardians have placed right-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star break due to an “ongoing league investigation.” This action was mutually agreed upon by Major League Baseball and the Players Association. The team stated that further comments on the situation are not permitted at this time, and both the league and the Guardians have refrained from disclosing additional specifics regarding the investigation.
At 26 years old, Ortiz is in his inaugural season with the Guardians, having joined the team from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for first baseman Spencer Horwitz. He has quickly established himself in the Guardians’ pitching rotation, starting 16 games and throwing a total of 88 2/3 innings, with a 4.36 ERA, a 25.1% strikeout rate, and an 11% walk rate.
Originally scheduled to start tonight’s game, Ortiz will be replaced by left-hander Joey Cantillo. The rotation will also feature Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Logan Allen, and Slade Cecconi. The Guardians have faced challenges this season, including the loss of right-handed pitcher Ben Lively to Tommy John surgery, as well as delays in the return of their ace, Shane Bieber, who is recovering from a previous Tommy John procedure. Bieber recently resumed throwing.
